Networx: Concrete countertops pros and cons

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Jan 11, 2018 at 11:07 AMJan 11, 2018 at 11:07 AM

Laura Firszt More Content Now

Are you considering concrete countertop installation? Concrete countertops are very trendy right now for their industrial good looks. They’re also strong — and fairly affordable compared to popular materials like quartz or granite. However, besides their obvious advantages, there are a few negatives to kitchen and bathroom countertops made of concrete. Let’s take a closer look at concrete countertops' pros and cons.

Concrete Countertops: Pros

Unique Beauty

A major advantage of concrete countertops is their beauty, uniqueness, and modern flair. Concrete may be attractively shaped, colored, and textured in an almost infinite number of ways. Adding decorative elements or integral features (such as a built-in drainboard) will truly personalize the look.

Seamlessness

Depending on the exact size and design of your countertops, you can achieve a smooth seamless concrete surface.

Easy Cleaning

Concrete countertops are easy to clean as long as they've been installed and sealed properly. Warm, soapy water is the best way to wipe up. For heavier cleaning, follow the directions from your contractor or use a pH cleaner that won't harm the sealant. Avoid abrasive cleansers.

Concrete Countertops: Cons

Installation Issues

Before you begin, you must ensure your base cabinets are sturdy enough to support the weight of a concrete slab. If you choose to have concrete countertops poured in place, you'll have to deal with a mess. The alternative is ordering countertops to be precast offsite and transported to your home, but especially long and/or thick countertops will be heavy and awkward to move.

Cracks

Non-structural hairline cracks occur in nearly all poured-in-place concrete countertops. Expert installation by a reliable concrete contractor will minimize these cracks, but cannot prevent them altogether. Generally, the cracks are hardly noticeable; some homeowners even feel they enhance the look of the counters. Proper care and maintenance of your concrete countertops will help avoid hairline cracking.

Heat Sensitivity

Placing scalding hot pots or pans directly onto concrete countertops could damage the top and the sealant. Instead, keep a trivet handy to protect your countertops. To avoid the problem entirely, some homeowners have chosen to add built-in trivets to their concrete counters. Not only is this a practical option, but it also adds a handsome customized look to the countertops.

Staining

Spills need to be wiped up promptly, especially if they are oily or acidic like vinegar, lemon juice, red wine, etc. Even exposure of just a few minutes is capable of causing a stain on some concrete countertops. Protect your new countertops with a concrete sealer and reseal every 1-3 years.

No Cutting

Although concrete resists scratches due to normal wear and tear, cutting with a sharp knife directly on the bare countertop is not recommended. Knives can cut through the sealant and create weak spots. As with trivets, cutting boards can also be installed directly into the countertop for a combination of functionality and design.

Concrete is one of the most durable of all building materials — the foundation of our homes and roads. When you install concrete countertops, you won't have to worry about replacing them for decades. However, if in a few years you decide that you don’t care for the style or simply want a new look, removing concrete is not easy. It requires a team of several skilled people to uninstall the countertops without damaging the cabinets underneath. You’re left with the problem of recycling or otherwise disposing of the concrete.

Styling Options

From color to shine to gorgeous finishes, the design possibilities are endless with concrete countertops. You can hire a concrete specialist to replicate the look of granite or marble or incorporate small chips of glass, colored stone, or seashells, terrazzo-style. It’s also possible to create just about any shape you can dream of for the counters and their edges. The downside? While plain concrete countertops are less expensive than many other materials, the more elaborate your design, the higher the price.